Family New Years Eve Events!

Unfortunately, First Night Evanston is taking a break this year. In its abscence, we have rounded up some other options for a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration!

1. Family Fireworks Show at Navy Pier, 7pm

Watch from the pier, hang with Ronald McDonald, or buy tickets to a boat criuse and enjoy fireworks set against the downtown Chicago skyline! http://www.navypier.com/

2. ComedySportz Family Show & New Years Eve Show, 6pm &10pm

Enjoy interactive comedy and improv at ComedySportz! Go early and enjoy the Family show or stay out 'till midnight for the New Years Eve show. http://www.comedysportzchicago.com/

3. Latin Street Dancing Family New Years Eve Party, 7pm
Countdown the new year in traditional Puerto Rican style! Advance tickets are required for this all you can eat & drink Latin celebration! http://www.laboriqua.com/

4. Kids' New Years Eve at Koi
Enjoy a family-style Chinese dinner with drinks for adults and kiddie cocktails for those under 21! Expect hats, favors and a "New Years" countdown at 7:59 p.m! Reservations required. http://www.koievanston.com/home.htm

5. "The Music Man" at Cahn Auditorium, 8pm

Evanston's Light Opera Works puts on "The Music Man" as a part of its twenty-ninth season! The New Years Eve show begins at 8pm. http://www.light-opera-works.org/

First Night Evanston: Taking a Break

First Night Evanston, Evanston's long-standing outdoor New Year's Eve tradition, is officially taking a break this year. Although they have a mailbox at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, First Night Evanston is run by an independent chairatible organization. Limited information is available on their website: http://www.firstnightevanston.org/. Sadly, we have no futher information on how to reach them.

We have posted a list of some other family-friendly New Years Eve events.

Summer Camp Guide Online Now!

Turn that frown upside-down and those snowflakes into sunflowers! The 2009 Summer Camp Guide is online now at:

http://www.cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/recreation/camp.shtml

Check out all that the City of Evanston has to offer for tots to teens!

Arts Camps are pages 4 and 5, wink, wink!

MORE Holiday Art Shows This Weekend!

Make sure to check out these other great Holiday Art Shows going on in Evanston and the Chicagoland area this weekend!


Bucktown Holiday Art Show (Holstein Park Fieldhouse) – This annual juried sale features over a 100 artists exhibiting paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more. Plus, this art show is featuring a Silent Auction where you can find some great deals!

McGraw YMCA Holiday Ceramic Sale (1000 Grove St, Evanston) – This show features 12 Chicagoland Ceramists and a wide variety of artwork, at a variety of prices. 20% of all proceeds will go in support of the McGaw YMCA and its many programs areas. Come to support the Y and the local artists!

The Midwest Clay Guild 37th Annual Show and Sale (1236 Sherman Ave, Evanston) – The 10 members of the Guild will be exhibiting their ceramic art which runs the gamut of all possible clay objects, with everything from cups and bowls to figurative sculpture to conceptual work.

Mitchell Museum Holiday Bazaar (3001 Central St, Evanston) – Twenty-one Native American exhibitors from throughout the Chicago area and beyond will be offering authentic, handmade, traditional and contemporary art and craft items. Native artists will be selling works ranging from paintings and decorated gourds to inlaid silver jewelry, feather work, and more!

One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago (The Merchandise Mart) – Immerse yourself in this unique shopping experience! With 500 of North America’s best artists and craftspeople with thousands of matchless items, it’s hard not to find something for everyone on your list this holiday season!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Winter Break Arts Camp & SCHOOL's OUT Camp

We are offering arts camps when school is out this winter!

Call 847.448.8260 for more information.

SCHOOL’s OUT Arts Camp, Friday, December 12, 2008

Join us for a morning of Super Heroes! We will explore the idea of heroism through literature, drama and visual art. Feel free to arrive in costume as your favorite hero!
Call 847-448-8260 to register.

Winter Break Arts Camp, Dec. 22,23,26,28,30,31* Jan 2 9am-5pm
*ends at 4:45 on Dec. 31

Each day is a gift at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center this Winter!! Make and Take Home Gifts for the Whole Family!!

This year we’ll be exploring the idea of giving-- through drama, visual art, cooking, music, and the all around merrymaking which makes this part of the year so memorable. Each day we will work on a different gift, so that each day is self- contained-- perfect for those who need single day drop-in registration.

Call 847.448.8260 for a six-day camp or single-day drop-in registration.

These unique Holiday Break camps are held at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center:

927 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL 60201

The City of Evanston s committed to making programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. For mobility or communications access info, please call 847.866.2900 (voice); 847.448.8064 (TDD); or 1.800.526.0857 (IL Relay Center voice transmission).

Photo from the Chicago Reader's Flickr pool http://flickr.com/groups/chicagoreader/pool/

Weekend of Holiday Sales! - Open Studio, Renegade, and MORE!

While naturally all Noyes wants for Christmas is you, the rest of the world cannot be so lucky. Thankfully, Evanston’s Open Studio Project will be having a Holiday Show this weekend to provide a variety of unique gifts for all.

A non-profit arts and social service organization, Open Studio Project provides stimulating and powerful programming combining visual arts and writing, with a special emphasis on using the creative arts to inspire personal growth, interpersonal understanding, and social change.

This Saturday December 6th from 10am-5pm, Open Studio Project will be having a celebration of the creative spirit! Their holiday show includes handmade gifts, crafts, artwork, objects, food & drink, music & art making for all. Located at 903 Sherman Ave, this event is sure to be a one stop shop for Christmas gifts and Holiday fun!

Other Holiday Events in Chicago this weekend:

Lincoln Square Christkindl Market (Leland & Western Avenue) – Stroll through beautiful Lincoln Square and experience a German Christmas. Enjoy some bratwurst and glogg (warm spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas Carols. With dozens of charming vendors and boutiques with a wide range of unique German products, you are sure to find some great gifts. Plus, there is a Kids Korner that the whole family can enjoy!

DEPART-ment Holiday Show (2000 W. Fulton) – A collection of handmade items made from over 125 local and national vendors, DEPART-ment is a prefect place to find unique gifts. All things are handcrafted with no brand-names, no foreign assembly, and no questionable ethics. It’s a great way to support local artists!

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale (Pulaski Park Fieldhouse) – With over 150 booths in 5 rooms and Goodie Bags available for the first 100 shoppers each day, this Holiday Sale is sure to be a blast. Eat some tasty treats by Tipsycake + Treat as you watch a performance by Mucca Pazza. One of the biggest, best and the most well-known of all the DIY craft fairs in the US, this is one holiday event you won’t want to miss!

Enjoy all the Holiday fun!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Welcome to Winter!!

Snowflakes. Santa. Holidays. Shopping. Presents. Christmas lights. Sleigh rides. Skiing. Snowboarding. Ice skating. Jingle bells. Penguins. Cookies. Menorahs. Family. Stephen Colbert. Cheap gas. Apple cider. Parties. Snowball fights. Fairy princesses. Fires in the fireplace.

Frostbite. Shoveling snow. Five extra pounds. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Post-holidays credit card debt. Ugly sweaters. Rusty brakes. Slipping on ice. Mopping up salty floors. Dirty snow. Prying open your car door with your keys. Death from falling icicles.

Whatever you may think of winter, its here (acutally here on December 21) and its here to stay for a looooong looooooooong loooooooooooong loooooooooooooooooooooooong time. In celebration of the season, we have snazzily renamed and redecorated our blog! Yay! yehhhh...................

34th Annual Nutcracker on Ice, Dec. 12-14, 2008!

Since the St. Petersburg premiere in 1892, “The Nutcracker Ballet” has been entrancing audiences. “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “The Waltz of the Flowers” still enchant the young and the young at heart. This year marks Robert Crown Center’s 34th presentation of the ballet on ice skates, rather than ballet slippers. The storyline and beautiful music remain the same, but the costumes, special effects and lighting are more spectacular each year!

Nutcracker on Ice will be performed at Robert Crown Community Center and Ice Complex, 1701 Main St., Evanston. Shows are Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. We recommend buying tickets in advance. All general admission tickets are $8.50; all reserved seats are $9.50. A 50¢ discount per ticket is available for a group purchasing 10 or more tickets to a single performance. For more information, please call 847/448-8258.

Ethnic Arts Festival and Lakeshore Arts Festival Applications Online Now!

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for!

Applications for the 24th Annual Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival and the 37th Annual Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival are online now!

For Ethnic Arts Festival applications, go to: www.cityofevanston.org/ethnic

For Lakeshore Arts Festival applications, go to: www.cityofevanston.org/lakeshore

Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, July 18-19, 2009

The Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival is a two-day celebration of cultural diversity presenting the best in ethnic art, food and performance for over 25,000 people. Over 80 cultures are represented at the lakefront on the third weekend in July, through 125 juried artists/craftspeople who exhibit and sell their work, food vendors, family arts activities, and two stages of continuous entertainment with performances of ethnic music and dance.

Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival, August 1-2, 2009

Held the first weekend of August, the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival, also at the lakefront, presents 125 juried local and national artists exhibiting ceramics, sculpture, textiles, paintings, jewelry, photography, glass and woodwork to an audience of more than 20,000. The entertainment line-up features live classical, jazz, and folk music. An array of food vendors, a children’s craft tent, and a silent auction make this a destination event every summer.

Reminder! Corinne D. Peterson's "Between" Opening November 23!

Come out to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center to support Corinne D. Peterson at the opening of her gallery installation "Between." There will also be a reception on this Sunday, November 23 from 3pm to 5pm. Refreshments & snacks will be provided! Plus, it's free!

Here are some pictures of "Between:"

Various Stone Markers

Trans/Forming Walls

(terra cotta)

Going Nowhere

(terra cotta)

Untitled

Don't forget to stop by! The exhibition is running from November 20th to January 12th!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Behind the Exposition - Corinne D. Peterson

Despite the fact that Corinne D. Peterson recently injured her back while working on one of her pieces, her enthusiasm and spirit has not faltered one bit. Her smiles glows as she discusses her new installation at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center entitled “Between,” opening November 20 and running through January 12, 2009.

Inspired by nature and architecture, this collection of clay and mixed media artwork embodies the idea of exposure. Each piece is some type of aged wall that has been torn down, broken, or changed by nature to reveal something within, in this case found objects. These pieces, like their theme, go much farther than the surface, however, because Peterson always thinks metaphorically and psychologically. She says that when creating these pieces she envisions not only the walls themselves but the idea of “inner walls, walls that people put up emotionally.” This idea, combined with the concept of exposure, shows what is “Between,” as Peterson says.

While this gallery show is running, Peterson hopes to continue work on this series. She has also been commissioned to make more of her clay markers, specifically one for the Children’s Garden at the Lutheran Hospital. For more information on Peterson’s ongoing work or to commission a maker, visit her website at http://www.cdpeterson.com/ .

So come out and support Corinne D. Peterson at the opening reception for “Between” on this Sunday, November 23 from 3pm to 5pm here at 927 Noyes St. Refreshments & snacks will be provided! Bonus: the reception is free!

- L.A.U.R.E.N.

Corinne D. Peterson Exhibit Opening Nov. 20

Clay sculptor Corinne D. Peterson's work will be on display at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center's first floor gallery. The exhibit, entitled "Between," opens November 20 and runs through January 12, 2009. Corinne's studio work draws upon forms found in nature and architecture.

Corinne also has an accomplished career in public art. Notably, she collaborated with fellow Chicago artist Juan Angel Chavez to create "Hopes and Dreams," a mosaic which spans the Red--Orange/Green Line transfer at the Roosevelt el stop.

For more information check Corinne's webstie at: http://www.cdpeterson.com/

The opening reception will be held this Sunday, November 23. You can meet Corinne and learn more about "Between" from 3pm to 5pm here at 927 Noyes St. Refreshments & snacks will be provided! The reception is free.

Yet Another NU/Fountains of Wayne Connection!

Northwestern is truly united by an enthusiasm for Fountains of Wayne. NU alum Stephen Colbert is releasing a Christmas album and the original songs were written by Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger. You can read about the details here.

Lauren described NU's crush on Fountains of Wayne in her post about their recent appearance at the Kellogg Global Arts Fest on October 4th.

Studio 211 Gallery Opening, Sunday November 16

The exhibition Studio 211 opens with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, in the second floor gallery at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street.

The exhibit features works by artists from the studio of Jack and Elise Lerman, including Ruth Bittner, Bud Brock, Bill Chip, Dick Clark, Don Draganski, Doris Gilbert, Pat Gladden, Bonnie Hanover, Rachel Heuman, Catharine Jones, Eileen Kandel, Ken Kantor, Diane Kotin, Diana Leifer, Pam Moore, Barbara Nicholson, Ginny Peters, Sharon Russell, Josephine Schneider, Maggy Shell, Barbara Silverman, Bill Termyn, Jill Van Wagenen, Linda Winstead, and Robert Witt. Also featured are artists in residence Lisa Goesling, Carl Johnson, Mark Lale, Terri Morrissey, and Len Upin.

Studio 211 runs through December 18. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday; admission is free.

-Jeff Cory

Cultural Fund Grant Applications Due TOMORROW, November 14

The deadline for submission of Evanston Arts Council/City of Evanston Cultural Fund Grant applications is fast approaching. Applications are due in the Cultural Arts Division office at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2008.
The Cultural Fund Grant Program provides project support to Evanston arts organizations and individual artists. Support is available for projects that will take place from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
Applications can be downloaded, or picked up in person at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, the downtown Evanston Public Library, and the
Civic Center.
For more information please call 847.448.8260.

-Jeff Cory

New Email Newsletter: Sign Up!

We here at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center are going more technologic than Daft Punk. I am here to officially introduce our brand new, epically inventive, and outrageously cool

EMAIL NEWSLETTER!

Located in the Right-Hand Column ---->

By signing up, you are given the choice of recieving information about any one (or more!) of our summer fun activities: The Ethnic Arts Festival, The Lakeshore Arts Festival, or The Starlight Concert Series. These emails will contain information on Artist and Vendor Applications, Entertainment Schedules and Updates, Volunteer Opportunities, and other general updates.

Sign up now to start recieving updates!

- L.A.U.R.E.N.

Mayor's Award for the Arts Applications Online NOW

Every year, one individual and one arts organization of Evanston are recognized for their contributions to the community through demonstration of excellence in the arts. Recipients are selected from nominations from the public at large. The awards are presented at the Annual State of the City Address and Mayor’s Award for the Arts Luncheon.

If you know an individual or arts organization that has enriched Evanston's arts community please nominate them for this award.

Past award recipients include Bea Rashid of Dance Center Evanston, Eve Alfille of the Alfille Bijoux d’Art, Art Encounter, Chie Curley and Barbara Goldsmith of Noyes Gallery, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Light Opera Works, Northlight Theatre, Gus Giordano, North Shore Choral Society, Evanston Art Center, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Barbara Blades, Ron Isaacson of Mindscape Gallery, Susan A. Manning, the Music Institute of Chicago, Richard Halstead and Open Studio Project.

You can learn more about the 2007 recipients of the Mayor's Award for the Arts and download the 2008 applications at:

http://www.cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/mayor.shtml

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

New Evanston Battle of the Bands Camp Announced!!

New this summer!

Evanston Battle of the Bands Camp
Ages 11 to 18
9:30am to 3:30 pm
July 20 through July 24th
Location TBA
$185 Residents/$195 Non Residents
Scholarships available

A one week intensive experience to prepare for Evanston’s Battle of the Bands auditions on July 25th. Whether you are into heavy metal or jazz, a singer songwriter or an excellent cover band, this camp will hook you up with Evanston’s extensive music resources. Days will be filled with sharing the music you love, meeting professionals in the field, getting good promo photos for your Myspace page and website, videotaping and critiquing your performance, intense songwriting and lyric writing sessions, and field trips to music nerve centers. Camp participants will work in conjunction with the Cultural Arts Division Starlight and Festival staff to learn more about the planning and production of outdoor live performances and about summer performance opportunities.

This program is a partnership between the Cultural Arts Division and the Youth Engagement Initiative.

Contact Angela Allyn at 847-448-8260 for registration information.

I wish I were eligible to be in this camp!
Laura

Application Fee Discount for Evanston Artists!

For the first time, the Cultural Arts Division has introduced an application fee discount for Evanston artists who are applying to participate in the Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival or the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival.

Evanston artists have first priority. The discounted price will be only $20 as opposed to the general public fee of $35! Applications will be online shortly at www.cityofevanston.org/arts.

Be sure to check out all the application information there! If you wish to recieve an application via mail, please call 847-448-8260 for more information.

photos by Sara Pooley.

Dance Showcase: Sunday, October 19

Griodano Dance Center photo

Arts Week will draw to a close this Sunday with its most anticipated event, the Dance Showcase. The Dance Showcase will be held at 3:00pm at the Levy Center (300 Dodge Ave.)

Urban Beat Dance Photo

Evanston Contemporary Ballet Photo

The following Evanston-based dance companies will be performing at the Evanston Dance Showcase this year:

• Evanston School of Ballet
  
• http://www.evanstonschoolofballet.com/


• Evanston Dance Ensemble
  
• homepage.mac.com/dce_ede/EDEHome.htm


• Evanston Contemproary Ballet


• www.elementscontemporaryballet.com/html/performances.html


• Girodano Dance Company: Girodano 3


• www.giordanodancecenter.com/
  
• Girodano Junior Company


• www.giordanodancecenter.com/


• Equilibirium Dance Company


• www.equilibriumdance.org/


• Urban Beat Dance


• http://www.urbanbeatdance.com/


• Kaleidoscope Dance Company


• http://www.kaleidoscopedance.com/


• The Cartier Collective


• http://cartiercollective.com/


• Dance Center Evanston


• http://www.dancecenterevanston.com/
  

Dance Center Evanston Photo

A dazzling array of genres and performers to be sure! Evanston is lucky to have such a strong and vibrant dance community.

Evanston Dance Ensemble Photo

Cultural Fund Grant Workshop TONIGHT

Are you an artist or arts organization residing in Evanston? You are eligible for the Cultural Fund Grant Program, which gives annual grants for special projects or programs that will enhance Evanston's arts community. Learn about the 2009 program and get technical assistance by Angela Allyn, who runs the Cultural Fund. The workshop will be held at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in room 106 at 5:30pm TONIGHT. The workshop is free, of course.

Arts Week Legislative Breakfast Tomorrow

Meet our legislators on Thursday, October 16 from 8:30am to 10:00am at Boocoo. Have coffee and conversation with our Alderman and show them how important the arts are to your community. Boocoo is located at 1823 Church St. in Evanston.

More about the Dolphin Show

From their Executive Producer, Zachary Baer:

The Dolphin Show, America's Largest-Student Produced Musical and a Northwestern tradition, is celebrating its 67th anniversary with a groundbreaking stage adaptation of the timeless classic THE WIZARD OF OZ. This production seeks to tell the story of Dorothy's journey in a new, fresh, exciting way, making it accessible to a new generation while honoring the classic story that all have grown to love. The 67th Annual Dolphin Show: The Wizard of Oz opens January 23, 2009 in Cahn Auditorium at Northwestern University. To find out more about this exciting production, as well as community events leading up to the production, visit www.nudolphinshow.org.

Again, we can't be more excited to have the Dolphin Show involved with Arts Week Opening Night, TONIGHT from 6pm-8pm at Fountain Square!

Noyes Cultural Arts Center Open House, October 11, 2008

Join the Evanston Cultural Arts Division staff as well as all the other organizations and studios at Noyes from 11am to 3pm tomorrow for the Noyes Cultural Arts Center Open House!

Rock Paper Scissors Opening Reception
2pm-4pm, First Floor Noyes Gallery. Gallery open 10am-6pm daily.
Meet the wonderful artists who have contributed to the Rock Paper Scissors exhibit at Noyes. Artists used rocks, paper, or scissors as media or subject matter for their works. Refreshments available! (Exhibit runs through November 11th). FREE

Rock Paper Scissors Puppet Demonstration by Michael Montenegro
11am, Noyes Room 106
See a puppet in action as created by Rock Paper Scissors artist Michael Montenegro. FREE

Rock Paper Scissors-Inspired Arts and Crafts Activities
11am-3pm, Noyes Main Enterance and Room 106
Jill Silverman leads arts and crafts inspiried by the Rock Paper Scissors exhibit. Paint and decorate your own pet rock outside, do oragami and paper cutting crafts inside! FREE

The Figure Through Different Eyes Exhibit
10am-6pm daily, Second Floor Noyes Gallery.
Paintings and drawings of the human figure by Figurative Art League members. The Figurative Art League is located in Noyes Studio 215. Learn more at: http://www.figurativeartleague.net/(Exhibit runs through October 27). FREE

Collage and Silkscreen Demonstration
11am-2pm, Studio 221
See printmaking and coloring on cloth by Maggie Weiss, Textile Artist. FREE

Printmaking Demonstration and Open House
11am-3pm, Noyes Basement Evanston Art Center Studio
Master printer Julian Cox creates etchings, woodcuts, intaglios and more!
Learn more about the Evanston Art Center and all of their locations at: http://www.evanstonartcenter.org/. FREE

What is an Etching? Open Studio
11am-3pm, Noyes Studio 212
An Exhibit of prints and drawings by artist Elizabeth Ockwell. FREE

Kidfrolic Crafting Kit
11am-3pm Noyes Room 106
Create a paper doll kid using the features and characteristics you choose! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Learn more about Kidfrolic at http://www.kidfrolic.com/! FREE

Intermediate Acrobatic Stilts
Noon-1:30pm Actor's Gymnasium
Defy gravity and observe an intermediate acrobatic stilts class. Ages 8+. Visit http://www.actorsgymnasium.com/ for more information on classes for kids and adults! FREE

Secrets of Bronze Casting Open Studio and Sale
1pm-3pm, Noyes Studio 214
Learn about the wax method of making bronze sculptures; studio art sale follows by sculpture and painting artist Valerie Schiff. FREE unless you buy something of course!

Plus more! Don't miss the Noyes Cultural Arts Center Open House and all of the fun and activities for the whole family!

See you there, Laura

Next Theatre 08/09 Season Preview Reception, Friday Oct. 10

After the Arts Week Opening Night event, head back up to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center to check out the upcoming plays from Next Theatre's 08/09 season. Hear from Next's new Managing Director and the rest of the artist staff and enjoy some light refreshments. Starts at 7:00pm, FREE! www.nexttheatre.org/

Arts Week Opening Night Changes

Good news and bad news, folks.

The bad news first: Typhoon Dance Troupe sadly had to cancel their performance at Arts Week Opening Night due to heath concerns of some of their members. We'll miss you at Opening Night, and get well soon!

And now for the good news: Two lead cast members of Northwestern University's Dolphin Show will be singing solos from their 2009 musical, The Wizard of Oz. The Dolphin Show will have two performances:
Over The Rainbow, performed by Jessica McKenna
If I Only Had A Brain, performed by James Daniel

The Dolphin Show is Northwestern's largest theater production and never fails to amaze. We are happy to have two of NU's most talented perform at Arts Week!

More good news! Noyes staff member Stephen Lieto will be playing Sitar throughout the night.

As of now, our schedule is as follows:

6:10 NURD

6:20 Stephen on Sitar

6:30 Michael Montenegro, master of puppets

6:45 Dolphin Show singers

7:00 Stephen on Sitar

7:20 Stephen on Sitar

7:40 Stephen on Sitar

There's a possibility that we'll get another group(s) to sub out for poor Steve! Watch me pull a rabbit outta my hat...?

Any volunteers???

Laura

Typhoon Dance Troupe Storms Evanston's Arts Week

In just a little over one week, Evanston’s Fountain Square will be transformed into a bright stage for the Arts Week Opening Night Party. Newly added to the list of entertainers is Northwestern’s own Typhoon Dance Troupe.

As lively and colorful as fireworks show on the 4th of July, this dance group is going to blow up Evanston with its “classical, ethnic, and contemporary dances of East and Southeast Asia.” Specializing in dances such as Traditional Han, ethnic Dai, Kung-Fu, and Lion Dance, Typhoon has a varied and impressive performance. This group dedicates themselves to “displaying pieces of the regions' rich and diverse cultures and to promoting interest and appreciation in the community,” even implementing a children’s dance program through the Xilin Chinese School. Typhoon practices and performs regularly at several Northwestern-affiliated productions or off-campus events, including Celebrasia. The annual Chinese New Year celebration co-sponsored by CSA and TASC, Celebrasia draws over 500 people annually and is a highlight for many Evanston and Chicago-land residents.

Feel as if you want to join this electric dance troupe? Well, membership is open to all undergraduates of Northwestern University, “regardless of previous experience or skill level.” Interested? Visit their website at http://typhoondance.wetpaint.com/ .

If not, definitely stop by the Arts Week Opening Night Party, this Friday, October 10th from 6:00 to 8:00pm to see the Typhoon Dance Troupe!

And don’t forget to attend the other events going on during Evanston’s Arts Week!

- L.A.U.R.E.N.

Arts Week Schedule!!!

Evanston's Arts Week is just around the corner, and we here at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center couldn't be more excited. Here is a list of all the activities, performances, and just plain fun that will be going on during Arts Week:

Saturday, Oct. 4
Kellogg Global Arts Festival (Fountain Square)

Friday, Oct. 10
Evanston Art Walk (Central Street)
“Faces of Evanston: Award-Winning Photographs” (First Bank & Trust, 820 Church St.)
“Heating Up: Art and Ecology” (Evanston Art Center)
“Magdalena Abakanowicz: Reality of Dreams” (Block Museum of Art)
Arts Week Evanston Opening Night Event (Sherman Plaza)
2008/09 Season Preview Reception (Next Theatre)
The Pirates of Penzance (Chute Auditorium)
And Then There Were None (Northminster Presbyterian Church)

Saturday, Oct. 11
8th Annual Front Yard Art Sale (1931 Colfax St.)
Diane Thodos Open Studio (600 Hartrey Ave.)
Noyes Cultural Center Open House (927 Noyes St.)
~ “The Figure Through Different Eyes” Exhibit (2nd Floor & Studio 215)
~ Collage & Silkscreen Demonstration (Maggie Weiss - Studio 221)
~ Printmaking Demonstration & Open House (Evanston Art Center Print Studio)
~ “What Is an Etching?” Open Studio (Elizabeth Ockwell - Studio 212)
~ Kidfrolic Crafting Kit (Main)
~ Intermediate Acrobatic Stilts Class (Actors Gymnasium)
~ “Secrets of Bronze Casting” Open Studio & Sale (Studio 214)
~ “Rock Paper Scissors” Opening Reception (Gallery I)
Fine Arts Open House (King Lab School)
Come Dance! (Dance Center Evanston)
Musical Theater Showcase (Music Institute of Chicago)Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Reading Series (Evanston Public Library)
St. Mark’s Art Show Opening Reception (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church)
The Pirates of Penzance (See Oct. 10 Listing)
YAMO (Evanston Township High School)
And Then There Were None (See Oct. 10 Listing)

Sunday, Oct. 12
Observe Jewelry Enameling Workshop (Evanston Art Center Jewelry Studio)
Diane Thodos (Open Studio)
Pinhole Camera Family Workshop (Block Museum of Art)
And Then There Were None (See Oct. 10 Listing)
The Pirates of Penzance (See Oct. 10 Listing)
Rembrandt Chamber Players Concert (Music Institute of Chicago)
YAMO (See Oct. 11 Listing)
New Music Concert (The Musical Offering)

Monday, Oct. 13
Drop-in Art Class (Levy Senior Center)
Vacation Day at the Art Center: Holiday Art Fun (Evanston Art Center)
Drop-in Ceramics Class (Levy Senior Center)

Tuesday, Oct. 14
Drop-in Woodcarving Class (Levy Senior Center)
Shower Singers (Levy Senior Center)
“The Reluctant Mr. Darwin” (Evanston Public Library)
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsal (Evanston Township High School Band Room)

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Drop-in Glass Fusion/Craft Class (Levy Senior Center)
Cultural Fund Grant Workshop (Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Rm. 106)
African American Literature Book Discussion (Evanston Public Library)
“A Celebration of Composer Camille Saint-Saëns” (Lutkin Hall)

Thursday, Oct. 16
Meet Our Legislators (Boocoo)
Drop-in Ceramics Class (Levy Senior Center)
Drop-in Square Dancing (Levy Senior Center)
“Art of Flower Arranging” Workshop (Evanston Art Center)
Teen Circus Ensemble Open House (Actors Gymnasium)
“Wonderful Multi-Hued Sapphires: Nature and Art through the Ages” (Eve J. Alfille Gallery)
Evanston Video Festival (Evanston Community Media Center)
Drop-in Woodcarving Class (Levy Senior Center)
Evanston Art Walk Benefit (Taylor Street)


Friday, Oct. 17
Drop-in Sewing Class (Levy Senior Center)
NU Marching Band Homecoming Concert (Cahn Auditorium)
The Pirates of Penzance (See Oct. 10 Listing)
YAMO (See Oct. 11 Listing)
And Then There Were None (See Oct. 10 Listing)
Side by Side by Sondheim (Light Opera Works)


Saturday, Oct. 18
Open Studio Art Show & Talk (Joyce Elias Studio)
“Getting Started in Metal Clay” Jewelry Workshop (Evanston Art Center Jewelry Studio)
Lang Open Studio (Lang Studios)
The Pirates of Penzance (See Oct. 10 Listing)
YAMO (See Oct. 11 Listing)
And Then There Were None (See Oct. 10 Listing)

Sunday, Oct. 19
“Secrets of Bronze Casting” Open Studio & Sale
Haunted Ships Family Workshop (Evanston Art Center)
Steve Justman Concert (Evanston Public Library)
“Magdalena Abakanowicz” Exhibition Tour (Block Museum of Art)
Dance Showcase (Levy Senior Center)
And Then There Were None (See Oct. 10 Listing)
The Pirates of Penzance (See Oct. 10 Listing)

More detailed listing to come!

- L.A.U.R.E.N.

Robbie Fulks: Fountains of Wayne

Fountains of Wayne is the highly anticipated headliner of the Kellogg Global Arts Festival held this Saturday, October 4, at Fountain Square. Why are Fountains of Wayne playing at the Kellogg GLOBAL ARTS Festival, anyway?

It turns out that Fountains of Wayne has captured the imagination of more than just the Kellogg School of Management entertainment booker! (and the Northwestern marching band, as Lauren pointed out last week)

Robbie Fulks, Starlight 08 performer extraordinaire and certainly one of Chicago's cultural heroes--but not in the "apparently-Christie-Hefner-is-a-cultural-hero-and-that-makes-me-very-sad" kind of way--has written a witty little jingle about the catchy if systematic songwriting techniques of Fountains of Wayne. Perhaps it is the now-universal tropes found in "Stacy's Mom" that have made Fountains of Wayne a particularly significant landmark of the Global Arts? Or maybe Fountains of Wayne will incorporate the fountains at Fountain Square into a site-specific musical performance sculpture celebrating the history of water as the fertile beginning of civilization and as a conductor for transportation, trade, communication, and innovation that led to the global society we now inhabit. (Fountains of Wayne, if you're reading this, DO IT!)

More likely I'm just missing the point on what the Kellogg Global Arts Festival really is, as Michael McDermott rounds out the schedule.

You can listen to Robbie Fulk's take on Fountains of Wayne here: http://www.spinner.com/2007/06/07/iflts-fountains-of-wayne-hotline-robbie-fulks/

There is no denying the Fountains of Wayne performance at Fountain Square will be a fantastic highlight of the outdoor performances in Evanston this fall. And that hotline of theirs is a tremendous service to struggling songwriters everywhere.

xo Laura

N.U.R.D. and Michael Montenegro do Arts Week Opening Night

As the specter of Arts Week Evanston nears (October 10th-19th, 2008), the time has come to share some of the detalis about...Arts Week Opening Night, held on October 10th, 2008. Opening Night will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Fountain Square (Davis + Sherman + Orrington). The event will feature several 10-15 minute showcases by some of Evanston's most innovative performers.

Northwestern University Radio Drama (N.U.R.D....amazing!) will perform an original skit especially for Arts Week. N.U.R.D. is a weekly radio show on 89.3 FM WNUR every Sunday afternoon. They produce scripts written by Northwestern students past and present, focusing on current sketch comedy and full-length (30 minute) scripts. The N.U.R.D.s are also the proud winners of the "Best Regularly Scheduled Program" award from Collegiate Broadcasters, Inc. for 2005 and 2006. Check out more here: http://www.wnur.org/nurd/index1.html

Michael Montenegro is a painter, sculptor and puppetmaster. For Arts Week, Michael will create an as-of-yet untitled puppet. The puppet will be a man in a boat and Michael will perform for 10-15 minutes. The puppet piece will also be showcased at Navy Pier.

More information about Michael's creations can be found here: http://www.theatreinchicago.com/news.php?articleID=224

(Image by Liz Lauren via theatreinchicago.com)

...Plus more to come soon.

stay tuned!

xo Laura

Isaac Williams--Craft Matching Content: Part II

As I watch Zeke work, it is evident that his mantra lies where high craft matches content. Only a man as passionate as he could carefully show me how to thread a needle while intricately explaining what it means in his grand installation. Zeke finds his inspiration in basic concepts like concrete cracks on the sidewalk and trash in a garbage can, as well as in complex content found in literature and on the internet. However, as Zeke simply states it, “talking out the idea helps develop it,” thus his discussions with colleagues, friends and family are the true catalysts to bringing his artwork to life.

Although he has been educated in both Printmaking and Book & Paper Arts, Zeke’s work has evolved over time to slowly diverge away from printmaking altogether. His current goal in his artwork is to integrate 2D and 3D sculpture in order to create a richer image and a “layered art experience.” With “Husk,” the dining room is not only portrayed as a place of consumption but as a domestic space that “hits close to home” and creates a personal connection within each viewer. “How do you get people to relate to your art?” is one question Zeke is always asking himself, and that question has lead to his dream of eventually creating an entire house-worth of installations to accompany his lone dining room.

Time is definitely not a constraint for Zeke, considering “Husk” originally took him seven full days to assemble for his MFA thesis! Instead, he approaches art by “reacting to materials, dreaming up ideas, and just getting out and doing it,” (similar to the Fluxus method coined by artist George Maciunas.) No matter how many complications arise, Zeke is in it for the long-haul.

With respect to future art happenings, Zeke likes to “follow the trail that gets laid out in front of [him].” In addition to making artist books that are shipped across the country, Zeke is currently figuring out ways to make his art more public by breaking through gallery boundaries. Already having a broad range of followers, he hopes to continue attracting a diverse fan base.

If you want to discuss your ideas of “Husk” or life in general with Zeke, be sure to attend the gallery reception for the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” exhibit on October 11th from 2-4 pm at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.

This is Kristina signing out…again.

Isaac Williams--Craft Matching Content: Part I

You could never imagine the contents of an entire room suspended from yarn until you see the magic of Isaac Williams’ environment puppet coming to life right here at the Noyes Cultural Art Center. As a part of the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” exhibit, “Husk” takes the craft of handmade paper and the fertile content of a family dining room to an unprecedented level by creating an installation filled with subtle hints and undertones of consumption and consumerism.

Isaac Williams, or “Zeke” as he likes to be called, was born and raised traditionally in the Midwest with chores like setting up the dinner table every night for his family. It’s that place of communion that has inspired his latest installation. From dinnerware to chairs to a hutch, all of the installation’s pieces come together as a hanging static display and are intended to be manipulated by viewers over time, thus giving them the ability to “make the artwork happen.” The piece is even topped off with a delicate framing to resemble a hanging work of art.

Consumption being one of its main themes, “Husk” depicts a basic place of unity where so many people gather to dine. Zeke makes these themes as subtle as possible, however. For example, the dining table fits together like a puzzle of continents and bodies of water to represent a globe of the world. This along with other abstractions within Zeke’s creation allows the viewers’ imagination to run wild.

Interested in these alterations of reality, Zeke decided to take up installations as his artistic passion for a number of reasons. He believes the content comes across better and that the overall environment confronts and speaks to people more. The art industry is constantly competing with high levels of mainstream entertainment like movie theatres and amusement parks, so installing an environment makes Zeke him feel like he is bringing people back to the gallery for a unique experience. The interactive factor of his artwork additionally provides a lasting impact in the viewer’s memory.

If you’re up the challenge, experience this for yourself from September 18th to November 11th at the Noyes Cultural Art Center. The Gallery reception for “Rock, Paper, Scissors” will be held on October 11th from 2-4 pm as a kickoff to Evanston’s Annual Arts Week.

This is Kristina signing out…

Kellogg Brings Fountains of Wayne for Centennial Global Arts Festival

So, it seems that Northwestern University has a little crush on the Grammy Nominated band Fountains of Wayne. Not only does the Marching Band pound out their #1 hit “Stacy’s Mom” at every chance it gets, but Fountains of Wayne will soon be performing at Fountain Square this October 4th for the Kellogg Centennial Global Arts Festival (KCGAF).


A prelude to Evanston’s upcoming Arts Week, the KCGAF will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Founded on October 5, 1908, the former Northwestern School of Commerce has “[created] leaders in a culture of innovation and collaboration.” Renowned throughout the global business community, Kellogg stands as the #4 buisness school in the nation. The university hopes that “these events will represent the school's mission and raise visibility for the Kellogg School both in the United States and abroad.” Well with a main stage act like Fountains of Wayne, Kellogg is sure to make a few eye-brows raise within the next few weeks.

Formed in 1996 by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, Fountains of Wayne was made famous through their aforementioned hit “Stacy’s Mom.” While that single was eventually certified gold, they’ve never reached the number one spot on the Billboard Charts. It has been reported, however, that Elton John called the group to tell them he thought their 1999 album Utopia Parkway “was great.” Now that’s recognition. Schlesinger is no stranger to this, however. He has won awards for writing songs in movies such as That Thing You Do! and Music and Lyrics and is currently in the studio working with Dashboard Confessional for their new album due out in early 2009.

Along with Fountains of Wayne, Chicago folk rock singer Michael McDermott and local band Down the Line will be performing at KCGAF. The festival will also feature crafts and children's entertainment during the day with a performance by Baby Loves Disco. All Kellogg alumni and their families, students, and the Evanston community are invited to join in on the festivities. Best part? It’s free.

So, with no reason not to go, please join us on October 4th from 11:00-8:00pm at Fountain Square to celebrate and rock out at the Kellogg Centennial Global Arts Festival.
Plus! Don’t forget to go to the many other events in association with Evanston’s Arts Week!

- L.A.U.R.E.N.

Rock! Paper! Scissors! Shoot! - Paulsrud Rocks Noyes

Pamela Paulsrud, a Wilmette native, stands atop a ladder staring pensively at a wall of stones. With one small pebble in her hand and mounting clay in the other, any passerby could think she was playing an elaborate game, or perhaps even decorating our stylish white walls. However, as you draw nearer, it becomes clear that what Paulsrud is creating is no game or decoration, but a beautiful poem crafted of out small stones and written . . . in brail.

Part of an instillation entitled “Rock, Paper, Scissors” that opens October 11th at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Paulsrud’s creation is modeled after her brother’s poem, “When You See the Soil.” The poem expands on what Paulsrud calls the stewardship of the earth and explains how humanity is failing to take care of its precious world. “Until the vision is felt inside, the eyes, the brain, the hand can’t see,” say the tiny rocks on the wall. Paulsrud chose to display the poem in brail to show how we as society don’t really “see” the true earth. “I’ve always been intrigued by the ability to communicate beyond the message encoded in the text,” explains Paulsrud, and this piece surely bridges that boundary.

A lifelong artist, Paulsrud got the idea for this piece from her greatest inspiration – nature. “I feel myself drawn to nature,” says Paulsrud, “my artwork [and] my life [are] informed and inspired by both the inner and outer landscape.” By taking long walks on the beach, riding her bike through the forest, and meditating on hilltops, Paulsrud connects with the land to uncover her next artistic creation.

Paulsrud also specializes in papermaking and book altering, interweaving designs of cymatics into both. “Cymatics [are a] sound wave phenomena,” describes Paulsrud on her website (www.pamelapaulsrud.com). She is involved, too, with an on-going project called Tree Whispers that collects handmade paper with stories about trees written on them and then builds them back into tree like shapes.

We are all very excited to see Paulsrud’s finished product. Personally, this entire exhibit is my favorite installation that we have had at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. This installation is running from September 18th through November 11th. So come out to the reception for “Rock, Paper, Scissors” on Saturday, October 11th from 2:00 to 4:00pm to see it all in action!


- L.A.U.R.E.N.

Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar

The highlight of our summer was the July 19 performance of the world-renown Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar. Although it rained all morning, the skies opened up and the beautiful afternoon sun shone for Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar's performance. The whole festival was dancing!